The openside had a second hip operation last Monday and this prompted fears from some quarters that he may be out for the season. But O'Brien, who was originally hopeful of an October return, now looks set to be back in Leinster colours in time for the Christmas period.

Schmidt told the Irish Independent: "Sean's most recent operation was last week. He's feeling pretty good about the operation.

"It will be a long, slow process. There weren't any complications. It was two different operations. We're hoping he'll be back mid-December."